bugging crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "bugging" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "bugging crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
PEST: Refers to something annoying or an irritating person, akin to 'bugging' someone.
6 Letters
SPYING: Relates to the act of secretly observing or listening, often via hidden devices, which is a common meaning of 'bugging'.
8 Letters
ANNOYING: A direct synonym for 'bugging' in the sense of irritating or bothering someone.
11 Letters
WIRETAPPING: The specific act of installing a hidden device to listen to phone conversations, a direct application of 'bugging'.
More About "bugging crossword clue"
The clue "bugging" is a classic example of a crossword clue that leverages multiple meanings of a single word. Depending on the context, "bugging" can refer to bothering or irritating someone, or it can mean installing clandestine listening devices. This duality often requires solvers to consider the length of the answer box and any intersecting letters to determine the correct interpretation.
When "bugging" implies annoyance, common answers relate to pestering, bothering, or being an irritation. However, when the clue leans towards surveillance, answers will often point to activities like spying, eavesdropping, or setting up monitoring equipment. Always consider the wider puzzle theme and other clues in its vicinity for further hints.
Understanding these different facets of the word "bugging" can significantly aid in solving your puzzle, transforming a tricky clue into a rewarding discovery. Our solutions aim to cover both primary interpretations to give you the best chance of success.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider synonyms: For words like "bugging," always think about its various dictionary definitions and their corresponding synonyms (e.g., annoy, pester, spy, monitor).
- Check word length: The number of letters in the answer box is your most crucial clue. It immediately narrows down the possibilities and often eliminates one meaning over another.
- Look at intersecting letters: If you have letters from intersecting words, use them to confirm or deny potential answers. This is a vital step in ensuring accuracy.
- Context is key: Sometimes, the overall theme of the crossword or other clues in the same section can give you a hint about which meaning of "bugging" is intended (e.g., if there are other crime-related clues, surveillance is more likely).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of "bugging" in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'bugging' most commonly refers to either annoying or bothering someone, or to the act of secretly installing listening devices for surveillance purposes.
How do I distinguish between "bugging" as annoying and "bugging" as surveillance?
To differentiate, look closely at other words in the clue or the overall theme of the puzzle. Clues relating to irritation might include words like 'pestering,' 'bothering,' or 'nagging,' while surveillance-related clues could hint at 'eavesdropping,' 'spying,' or 'listening in.'
Are there other words for 'bugging' a computer program?
While 'bugging' isn't typically used to describe the act of *creating* errors in a program, the process of fixing them is known as 'debugging.' If a program has issues, we say it 'has bugs' rather than it 'is bugging' something.